PIPING LAYOUTS

Pipe Material:Traditionally, engineers have specified a variety of piping materials for compressed air systems, including black iron, galvanized steel, copper, stainless steel, and even plastic. More recently, aluminum piping has become the preferred option considered by contractors, architects and engineering firms.

Material

Advantages

Disadvantages

Connection Methods

Black Pipe

Low cost components
Readily available
Rated to high pressure
Established (old) technology

Diameter Considerations:The cost of air mains frequently represents a high proportion of the initial cost of a compressed air system. While smaller diameter pipe will help save on capital cost, the restriction due to the small pipe causes greater pressure drop throughout the system, thus increasing energy consumption. Those higher energy costs can quickly exceed the price of larger diameter piping.

Layout Considerations:The ideal distribution system provides an optimal supply of compressed air at the required pressure to all locations. The layout of compressed air pipelines, however, creates friction and results in pressure drop. Pressure drop in a compressed air piping system should be no more than 1 to 2% of capacity.

Strategies to Reduce Pressure Drop:

•

Install the air main piping in a loop or grid, so that there are multiple paths for air to travel to any location. Even in a simple loop, there are two paths for air to get to any user. If this halves the flow traveling in each direction around the loop, then pressure drop is reduced to ¼ of the level that would be seen in a single trunk line of the same pipe size.

•

Always use full port valves that do not reduce pipe diameter. Ball valves are preferred, but butterfly valves can be a good choice, as long as the seal materials are compatible with compressed air, moisture, and compressor lubricant.

•

Install isolation valves at many locations in the air mains. This allows small sections of the main to be shut down to accommodate expansions, additional drops, or pipe modifications without shutting down the entire air system. This reduces the temptation to split undersized air drops to many machines whenever an additional drop is required.

•

Install periodic drip legs from the bottom of the air mains. These should be used only for draining contaminants and/or checking air quality. If the system is being installed new, and is not of an easily modified material, consider placing a tee and valve at each pipe coupling, so that an outlet is never more than 10 feet down the air main.

•

Limit use of elbows, minimize changes in the direction of airflow, remove constrictions, reduce excessive pipe lengths and isolate unused compressed air piping because it may be a significant source of air leaks.

It is important to note that improper or incorrectly applied piping and material in an air system can result in mechanical failure, damage, and serious injury or death. For assistance in your next piping layout, please contact us regarding our take-off services.

AirPro Technix provides its customers with superior compressed air system products and services, what better time to take a look at why our customers choose the advantages of our Aluminum Piping system! we continue to innovate and remain the leader in systems to convey gas and fluids in a wide range of markets including aerospace, food & beverage, energy, transportation, construction, laboratory, and pharmaceutical.

So…why choose aluminum pipe over copper or steel? Typically it comes down to dollars and cents. The value proposition for aluminum over other piping materials quickly adds up to overcome the initial investment for long-term gains. Aluminum piping is corrosion resistant, unlike its steel and copper counterparts. Its lightweight components and quick-connect interlocking design allow for easy and immediate layout modifications with zero need to thread, solder, or glue pipe. This is increasingly important as Lean manufacturing has us all looking for ways to streamline processes every day. Labor costs are significantly less in Aluminum pipe installations at 20% of installation costs, versus 50-80% of such costs associated with traditional steel or black iron piping. In addition, with the inevitable corrosion and degradation over time with other piping materials, Aluminum piping consistently provides clean, quality air though its leak-free, corrosion-resistant design, ensuring longevity of the equipment.

Let’s not forget…with less leaks…you have immediate energy savings. Again, the dollars and cents behind the value proposition make the investment worthwhile as your energy savings add up quickly. A properly designed compressed air system typically saves a plant 20 to 50% of its electric bill, sometimes even up to 60% within 24 months.

Let’s summarize some of the issues that other piping solutions bring to your compressed air system…

Copper:

Labor intensive

Installation can be dangerous from flames and fumes when welding

Air leaks

Steel:

Specialist tools required

Experienced fitters only

Corrosion susceptibility leads to internal surface roughness

High-pressure drop/air leaks

Stainless Steel:

Bulky and heavy tools

Weight of larger pipes

Non-versatile system

Black iron:

Very heavy and difficult to install

Susceptible to corrosion and air leaks

Experienced fitters only

Difficult to modify

Costly to repair

Fortunately, AirPro Technix aluminum addresses these issues and provides a modular system that is lightweight, quick to install, leak-free, full-bore, and does not corrode like the other piping materials. Not to mention, having Aluminum installed into your facility brings the capability for you to add our SCOUTTM Technology to your compressed air system, to bring the smart capability to monitor air system, reducing your downtime and increasing productivity.

What are you waiting for? Contact us today to find out more about the value proposition that Parker Transair can bring to your facility.

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